Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have signed their first-ever defense cooperation agreement in Jeddah, marking Kyiv’s initial security pact in the Gulf.
The deal was finalized during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Saudi Arabia, one month into the Iran war, as Tehran escalates drone attacks across the region.
Kyiv says the agreement “lays the foundation for future contracts, technological cooperation, and investment,” positioning Ukraine as a “security donor.” Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s five years of experience countering Russian ballistic missiles and drones-threats now emerging in the Gulf.
“Through its expertise and technologies, our country will help Saudi Arabia enhance its capabilities to counter aerial threats,” he said.
Over 200 Ukrainian anti-drone specialists are already deployed across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, with 30 more en route to Jordan and Kuwait. Zelenskyy noted their rapid impact: “Even in such a short time, Ukrainian experts were able to share extensive expertise.”
The move comes as Ukraine reports a 97% interception rate against recent Russian drone barrages. In Helsinki, Zelenskyy linked Gulf security to European stability, stressing that energy markets-and Europe’s cost of living-depend on secure Middle Eastern supply chains.
He urged Europe to achieve full self-reliance in air defense production, warning against overdependence on external partners amid reports the U.S. may divert military aid from Ukraine to the Middle East.